Florida floods spring break hot spots with state troopers in ‘unprecedented’ crackdown 'on mayhem'

 Governor Ron DeSantis said Florida authorities are sending at least 140 state troopers, along with a variety of resources such as drones and license plate readers, to popular beach towns in an "unprecedented" pre-emptive strike against spring break-related crime.

They will be sent to several spring break hot spots in South Florida, where large numbers of soldiers will patrol Miami Beach as well as other popular areas for party seekers.

In addition to manpower, the state is sending aviation drones, mobile command vehicles to assist with traffic management and logistics and license plate readers "to help identify subjects with outstanding warrants or driving stolen vehicles," DeSantis said. .

The Republican governor called this year's plan an "unprecedented" crackdown, but he doesn't want to wait for corrective action to send state resources into cities where rowdy parties have already spread chaos.

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There were two murders in Miami Beach alone last year and police made 488 arrests, including 230 felony arrests, and confiscated 105 firearms during the annual March Madness, according to city officials and law enforcement.

Wild melees, unruly crowds, open gunfire, stampedes and chaotic behavior – some of which was captured in viral videos on social media – spread across the streets of South Beach.

When situations crossed critical limits and were already out of control, state authorities mobilized troops and sent in backup. This year, DeSantis said he's not waiting.

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According to the governor, there are plans to send 60 state troopers to reinforce communities throughout South Florida with a high concentration in Miami Beach.

And 60 more state troopers will mobilize to additional hot spots such as Daytona Beach and Panama City Beach; And 24 quick-reaction troopers will be deployed to Bay, Volusia, Broward and Miami-Dade counties for immediate incidents.

“This is really unprecedented,” DeSantis said. "I don't think we've ever seen State lean forward like this in a season... All things considered, I think we're as good and prepared as we always have been throughout my tenure." Are from the state of Florida."

The annual festival, which attracts mostly college-aged students from across the country, begins during the first weekend of March, but grows rapidly in the second and third weeks. Things start becoming normal in the last week of the month.

DeSantis said during a Tuesday press conference, "We welcome people to come and have a good time. What we don't welcome is criminal activity. What we don't welcome is mayhem and There are people who want to wreak havoc on our communities."

"Let's immediately move forward with all resources and mitigate. Because it's one thing that problems happen, and you come in and take some corrective action, but it would be better to prevent it from becoming necessary."

State troopers will use aviation drones, mobile command vehicles and Miami Beach Police mobile automated license plate readers throughout the city to assist with traffic management and logistics.

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Miami Beach has already taken its own action to "divorce" itself from spring break by implementing stricter guidelines (which are covered below), and DeSantis said law enforcement will take safety measures a step further.

According to the governor, they will be installing barricades, DUI checkpoints, parking and lane closures, increasing security for residential neighborhoods, imposing curfews, checking bags at beach access points and patrolling the beach with ATVs, bikes and marine units .

Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, who spoke during the press conference, pointed to the "Law and Order" sign taped to the podium and said, "If I had to pick (one sign), this would be the one I would put up here. "

The mayor, who ran his campaign under the slogan "tough on crime," said, "I started talking about law and order about a year ago, and I started talking about 'law and order' instead of 'public safety.' Started replacing the word.

"And there were some people, who were my friends and supporters, who said, 'Maybe you should tone it down a little bit. It's a little strong.' I said, 'That's exactly it. We want to be strong. We want to be strong and send that message.'

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This spring break, he wants to create an environment where crime will not be tolerated like in previous years. He said expect to see "extensive" Miami Beach police as well as about 45 state troopers patrolling the city over the next four weeks.

“This is an important moment for our city,” Meener said. "Spring break. This has been a problem for the last several years... The appearance and the message we are sending is that spring break is over, and our breakup with spring break is loud and clear Has been done."

What changes did Miami Beach implement?

In addition to the curfew, the Miami Beach City Commission also made other changes – posted on the city's webpage titled "Miami Beach is cracking down on spring break" – that will last through March:

Parking in the city garage and South Beach is $30 ($100 from March 7-10 and March 14-17), except for residents and employees.

Access to those garages and lots is prohibited after 6 p.m.

Double towing rate of $516 for non-residents

Security checkpoints and bag checks to enter the beach

Beach access is limited to Fifth, 10th and 12th Streets via Ocean Drive

Those beach entrances will be closed at 6 p.m.

Additional measures will be in effect during the weekends of March 7-10 and March 14-17, including:

License plate readers on the eastbound lanes of the Julia Tuttle and MacArthur Causeway from 6 p.m. March 8-10 and March 15-17, which is expected to cause significant traffic delays

A DUI sobriety checkpoint on Fifth Street on March 8-9 and March 15-16

Ban on rentals of slingshots, golf carts, electric scooters and other motorized vehicles from March 7-10 and March 14-17

There is also discussion about temporarily repealing the option for civil citations for low-level marijuana possession, the Miami Herald reports.

Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones said during a meeting in February that people can expect license plate readers, DUI checkpoints and more police in South Beach "than you've ever seen before."

According to the Miami Herald, he said, "It will be difficult to get here in our city, and once you get here, you will be expected to play by the rules."

“If you want to cause problems, don't come to Miami Beach... Our message is simple: We want people to enjoy their time here, but we will not tolerate the behavior we have seen over the past few years "